The background: No major controversies face voters. The property tax rate decreased slightly last year, thanks in part to increased property values.

Commissioner Michael Long — a 13-year veteran of the commission — was re-elected without opposition. Of the two incumbents with challengers, Gordon has been on the commission 12 of the past 13 years and Commissioner Tom Hasis for 23 of the past 25 years.

The issues: Overall, Lysengen thinks the city has been run very well. One of the reasons she says she is running is to bring the perspective of a mother with young children, and to bring a fresh voice to a commission dominated by long-serving members.

Lysengen, who ran for a commission seat last year, says the city has faltered in how it enforces its codes and how it treats businesses. She thinks the city often comes across as too strict or having too much red tape, instead of encouraging businesses. She is concerned the city hasn't done enough to fill empty storefronts on Federal Highway.

Lysengen is also interested in making commission meetings more accessible to residents by placing them on YouTube, which she said could be done without much expense.

Gordon realizes there is more work to do to promote the Federal Highway corridor, but she said there have been positive signs including a Gordon Food Service [GFS] store and a TD Bank that are coming to the city.

The city has been working to streamline the permitting process for businesses, Gordon says. She supports additional help for existing businesses, such as allowing them to display some banners to attract customers.

Gordon disputes the idea that just because her children are grown, she has lost touch with the community. As a commissioner, she says she keeps in mind all perspectives — not just her own.

Gordon is glad Lysengen and others are showing an interest in serving the city, but doesn't think that involvement starts with a city commission seat.

The positions:

Gordon: "People are telling me, 'This town is run great. We don't want any changes. We like it the way it is.' … I stay current with everything that goes on in this city. I do my homework, I talk to the department heads."

Lysengen: "As a teacher, I realized that anything I say or do can affect these children for the rest of their lives. I'll bring that to every vote that I do and every policy or ordinance that I pass for the city. I'll think about what will this policy look like in three months or three years or 20 years, because I plan to be here that long."

Susie E. Gordon

Age: 58

Family: Married, five children

Education: Graduated from Toms River, N.J., High School, 1971; took courses at Broward Community College

Occupation: Real estate property manager

Political career: Lighthouse Point City Commission, 1999-2002, 2003-present